UIS observatory to host star parties

SPRINGFIELD -- University of Illinois at Springfield=s popular Friday night Star Parties will begin for the fall on September
8 and continue every Friday night through October 27, weather permitting. Star
Parties are from 8 to 10 p.m. in the UIS observatory.

Three telescopes will be used
to view the following celestial objects: the Ring Nebula in Lyra, an exploding
star; the Hercules globular star cluster, made up of a million stars; and the
moon, when visible.

Star Parties, conducted by UIS professor of astronomy
and physics Charles Schweighauser, are free and open to the public. No reservations
are required, and groups are encouraged to attend. The entrance to the campus
observatory is located outside Brookens Library on the southeast corner. Questions
about whether the weather is suitable for viewing should be directed to the
UIS information desk, 206-6600, after 7 p.m. on the evening of the Star Party.